Adam Snyder grabbed Frank Gore after his first half touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Adam Snyder grabbed Frank Gore after his first half touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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49ers safety Dashon Goldson celebrated his third quarter interception in the endzone with other players. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

49ers safety Dashon Goldson celebrated his third quarter interception in the endzone with other players. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) and Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) scramble to recover a fumble during the second quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) and Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (25) scramble to recover a fumble during the second quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson (38) knocks down Cleveland Browns wide receiver Greg Little (15) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) less

San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson (38) knocks down Cleveland Browns wide receiver Greg Little (15) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park on October 30, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park on October 30, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra ... more

Photo: Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Frank Gore #21 breaks away for a twenty nine yard gain against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park on October 30, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) less

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Frank Gore #21 breaks away for a twenty nine yard gain against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park on October 30, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. ... more

Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images

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Braylon Edwards tried to stretch out a completion in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Braylon Edwards tried to stretch out a completion in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Frank Gore made a nice gain with open field running in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Frank Gore made a nice gain with open field running in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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49er tight end Justin Peelle made a catch in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

49er tight end Justin Peelle made a catch in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree (center0 was congratulated by teammates after his first half touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Michael Crabtree (center0 was congratulated by teammates after his first half touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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A strong hit by the 49ers in the first half caused Greg Little (15) to fumble the ball. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

A strong hit by the 49ers in the first half caused Greg Little (15) to fumble the ball. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Alex Smith is winning over the 49er fans. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Alex Smith is winning over the 49er fans. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Frank Gore scored the 49ers first touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Frank Gore scored the 49ers first touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree couldn't quite reach this first half pass, but caught a 41 yarder later in the game. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Michael Crabtree couldn't quite reach this first half pass, but caught a 41 yarder later in the game. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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49er pressure forced Browns quarterback Colt McCoy to fumble in the first quarter resulting in the 49ers first score. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011. less

49er pressure forced Browns quarterback Colt McCoy to fumble in the first quarter resulting in the 49ers first score. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday ... more

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns Colt McCoy (12) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Cleveland Browns Colt McCoy (12) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Ahmad Brooks (55), without a helmet, got to Browns quarterback Colt McCoy in the first quarter and forced a fumble. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011. less

Ahmad Brooks (55), without a helmet, got to Browns quarterback Colt McCoy in the first quarter and forced a fumble. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October ... more

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) lost the ball late in the fourth quarter as they were going down the field. Justin Smith is at right. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011. less

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) lost the ball late in the fourth quarter as they were going down the field. Justin Smith is at right. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Alex Smith recovered his own fumble in the 2nd half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Alex Smith recovered his own fumble in the 2nd half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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David Akers looks skyward after his fourth quarter field goal. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

David Akers looks skyward after his fourth quarter field goal. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Alex Smith slid into the turf after a fourth quarter keeper. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Alex Smith slid into the turf after a fourth quarter keeper. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Isaac Sopoaga smiled as he ran down the field after catching a pass in the 2nd half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Isaac Sopoaga smiled as he ran down the field after catching a pass in the 2nd half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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The cheerleaders dressed in Halloween costumes late in the third quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

The cheerleaders dressed in Halloween costumes late in the third quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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The 49ers defense throttled this Browns runner. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

The 49ers defense throttled this Browns runner. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Frank Gore made a short gain in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Frank Gore made a short gain in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Alex Smith ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Alex Smith ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Frank Gore ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Frank Gore ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers ... more

Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks an extra point during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks an extra point during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) is tackled after a reception during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) is tackled after a reception during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson celebrates after his third quarter interception against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson celebrates after his third quarter interception against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) passes during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) passes during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

49er fans in face paint urged the team on in the 3rd quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

49er fans in face paint urged the team on in the 3rd quarter. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Justin Peele is tackled by Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong during the second quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers tight end Justin Peele is tackled by Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Gocong during the second quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (right) confers with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh during a timeout against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011.
The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (right) confers with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh during a timeout against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers Andy Lee (right) punts during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

San Francisco 49ers Andy Lee (right) punts during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore rushes during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (left) rushes against the 49ers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011.

Cleveland Browns running back Chris Ogbonnaya (left) rushes against the 49ers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Fans watch the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Fans watch the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled near the goal line by Cleveland Browns linebacker Kaluka Maiava (56) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled near the goal line by Cleveland Browns linebacker Kaluka Maiava (56) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday,

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader dresses for Halloween during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10.

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the game vs. the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the game vs. the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the game vs. the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the game vs. the Cleveland Browns at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the second quarter of the game against the 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, 20-10. less

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) scrambles during the second quarter of the game against the 49ers at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011. The 49ers beat the Browns, ... more

Photo: Dylan Entelis, The Chronicle

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49er head coach Jim Harbaugh tried to convince officials that Frank Gore scored in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

49er head coach Jim Harbaugh tried to convince officials that Frank Gore scored in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-10 at Candlestick Park Sunday October 30, 2011.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Gore runs free as 49ers handle Browns, 20-10

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Back to Gallery

After the 49ers sprinted out of the gates and sleepwalked to the finish in a not-so-stylish 20-10 win over Cleveland on Sunday, head coach Jim Harbaugh had no trouble controlling his emotions.

Two weeks after forcefully lifting up his sweatshirt moments before his adrenaline-fueled handshake with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, Harbaugh forgot to perform his postgame untucking, which signals that work is over and it's time to celebrate.

In the locker room, nose tackle Ricky Jean Francois, perhaps channeling his head coach, acknowledged that the 49ers' latest victory left them thinking more about the work that lies ahead.

"We won it," Jean Francois said. "We won it an ugly way. But that's what Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are for - to go back and clean everything up."

Wide receiver Ted Ginn put it like this after the post-bye-week victory: "I think as we get back into things, we'll start rolling again."

Perhaps this is the latest sign of the 49ers' progress under their first-year head coach. In the big picture, they are 6-1 for the first time since 1998, are on their first five-game winning streak since 2001 and are one of two NFL teams with one or no losses, keeping exclusive company with the defending Super Bowl champion Packers (7-0).

After Sunday, though, a few fans, now accustomed to slightly more polished performances, might be muttering about a second-half offensive effort that featured three points, four first downs and 95 yards. As a result, the Niners, who had a 17-0 second-quarter lead, needed a 26-yard field goal from David Akers with 1:56 left to put away a team that appeared comically overmatched in the first two quarters.

Harbaugh termed the victory "not perfect, but beautiful" while jabbing at reporters he knew would nitpick the lack of style points.

"You guys can go through stats and you guys can pick out the positive ones or you can pick out the negative ones," Harbaugh said. "I'll leave that up to whatever you guys want to do."

Well, let's start with the positive, which included a dominant first-half performance.

Thanks to a 4-yard scoring run from running back Frank Gore and a 2-yard touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Michael Crabtree, the 49ers took a 17-3 halftime lead. Dominant? Gore had outgained the Browns 103-93 after two quarters. Offering further evidence that San Francisco was toying with the visitors, Joe Staley, normally a left tackle, caught a 17-yard pass in the left flat that he punctuated with a first-down signal that would be the envy of any wide receiver.

The play - and Staley's performance - had the Niners laughing on the sideline. And after the game.

"Yeah," Smith said of the first-down signal, "a little prima donna-ish for a lineman."

The laughter subsided as the Niners, who rolled up 253 yards and didn't punt in the first half, opened the second half with punts on their first five drives, four of which were three-and-outs.

As the offense stalled, however, the defense continued to star against the offensively challenged Browns, who entered without a touchdown in their past 61 minutes of action.

The 49ers finally finished off Cleveland with an 11-play, 67-yard drive capped by Akers' field goal. The march included an 18-yard pass to Isaac Sopoaga, normally a nose tackle, on 3rd-and-3 from the Browns' 32-yard line.

Jean Francois laughed about Sopoaga, who weighs a mere 330 pounds, running out of bounds instead of taking on a cornerback. Jean Francois turned serious as he noted that, in the NFL, a victory, no matter how unsightly, is still a win.

"We said that first thing we got in here, before coach Harbaugh talked, we said it was an ugly win," Jean Francois said. "But ... this ain't the BCS, we don't need style points to be ranked No. 1."

49ers' top 5

On Sunday, Frank Gore moved past Roger Craig into second place on the 49ers' career rushing list. A look at the top five: